Shirley Richards-Wixom Obituary

Shirley Louise Richards-Wixom, 66, died Wed. July 10, 2002 after a long brave strug-gle against ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease). Shirley was born in Daniels, ID Oct 11, 1935, daughter of Wil-liam Bailey and Blanche Gilgen and was raised in Salt Lake City, UT. She married Reid C. Richards Aug 13, 1953, in the Idaho Falls LDS Temple. She was a devoted and loving mother to her four children and nine grandchildren. Shirley and Reid traveled extensively during their marriage, settling in Tucson in 1978. She was a real estate broker and Multi-Million Dollar producer in the Tucson area for 18 years, and with Reid, she established R2 Properties, Inc. Widowed in 1996, Shirley married Paul Wixom, Salt Lake City, UT July 6, 2001. An active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints she held several positions including Relief Society president, Primary president, Young Women's president, and Stake Music Director. Music was an important part of her life. As an accomplished pianist, musician, and teacher, she shared her talents with her church and community, various choirs, colleagues and students for 40 years. She was a member of the Tucson Music Teachers Association and served as the treasurer of that organization. Shirley's passion was teaching piano which continued until just prior to her death. Painting, gardening, sewing, cooking and landscaping were also hobbies and interests she enjoyed. Survivors include her husband, Paul; mother, Blanche Bailey, West Valley, UT; brothers, Conley, Floyd, Gerald, Ken, Gordon Bailey; sisters, LaDeane Jonsson, Daryle Warby, Gloria Richards, Marsha Bawden, Shauna Wilson-Bailey; four children, Suzanne Richards, Bethel, AK, Lt Col. John Richards USAF ret (Muge)., Dallas, TX, Michele Burbidge, Tucson, AZ, Major Robert Richards USAFR (Stephanie), Peoria, AZ; grandchildren, Ryan and Sheridan Richards, Centerville, VA, Robby and Mitch Burbidge, Tucson, AZ, Travis, Meghan, and Blake Richards, Peoria, AZ. Preceded in death by her father, William Bailey; husband, Reid Richards; and grandson, Joel Courtland Richards. The family would like to thank Dr. Richard Smock, Hospice, and the Relief Society sisters of the Tanque Verde Ward who cared for her. Also the MDA & ALS Associations which provided equipment and support. Services will be 10 a.m. Tues. July 16, 2002, Hunter Chapel, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 3665 S. 6000 W, West Valley. Friends may call 6-8 p.m. Mon. July 15, Peel Funeral Home, Magna, UT. Burial, Valley View Memorial Park, West Valley City, UT. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to ALS Association, Arizona Chapter, 5040 E. Shea Blvd, Scottsdale, AZ 85254, or any other charity of your choice.